More Australian Adventures

This past weekend was an All Women’s weekend at Merry Beach on the coast of the Tasman Sea.  Sarah and I were joined by Andrew’s mother Judy, his sister Kate, his Aunt Karen and his cousin Claire.  The adventure began with the three-hour trip to the coast involving a road of hairpin turns in the dark as we drove over Clyde Mountain.  The only experience similar is driving through the Sierra Mountains in the U.S.

Sarah had rented a cabin with three bedrooms.  There were kangaroos all over the place.  I have never seen anything like it!  We had to shoo them out of the road so we could drive to our cabin.  We arrived in time for a late dinner that Judy had provided.  Sampling some more good Australian wine, we played cards until well after midnight.   

they were all over the place!

Relaxing on the porch

Preparing for cards

There was much laughter as Kate once again tried to teach me how to play “Shit head”.  There were a couple rules I just couldn’t remember. I am hopeful that we played enough rounds that I can remember the rules long enough to play it at the cottage this summer.

Morning allowed me to finally get a glimpse of where we were staying.  We ate breakfast out on the deck and enjoyed listening to the ocean and watching the kangaroos move about.  People didn’t bother them at all.

Early morning.  We could see the ocean from the deck

Breakfast of French Toast on the deck

Sarah and I got in for a swim.  It was as warm as lake water though the Aussies didn’t agree and only waded.  We had lunch at a local Fish and Chip stand that was only a ten-minute walk away.  Delicious.  The afternoon was spent visiting and reading.  We once again got the cards out playing several different games.  Dinner was a selection of appetizers that everyone brought.  I introduced everyone to Sweet Tea Vodka and it was a big hit.

A dinner of appetizers

Sunday morning was over cast and cool.  Sarah, Judy and I took a short hike up a hill to get a better view of the area.  

Mother Kangaroo and her Joey

Sarah and Judy

 

Morning visitors on our deck-we ended up with 21 of them

Karen couldn't cut the apples fast enough to feed them

 Our drive back allowed me to see what those hairpin turns really looked like.  Judy was a good driver and handled it well.  We stopped at a few shops on our way back and of course made time for “pies” and  later on time for tea.

Yummy Meat Pie!

Sticky Date Pudding and Apple Rhubarb Crumble

I have continued to explore Canberra with Paul’s help.  I have been to Tidbinbilla Nature Sanctuary to see Kangaroos, a Koala, and Emus.  I had a chance to see Lanyon Farm, a homestead and outbuildings from the mid-1800’s.  The government gave property to settlers along with 37 convicts to help run the land.  It’s a very picturesque area.  We also drove up to Mount Ainslie to see Canberra from a different view.

Camberra from Mount Ainsle

 

I have been lucky to have sunny weather in which to do my sight seeing.  It has turned cooler out and often in the evening Sarah and Andrew have turned the heat on. I can find my way around the neighborhood on foot and to the stores.  They have allowed me to take Coopa for walks  and he is very well behaved.  I know the quality of the next blog and pictures you receive will improve immensely.  I will return to my position as Editor.  We are all looking forward to Dana’s arrival in a few days.

You can see some of Sarah's photos from the weekend on her photo blog.